BFG Rival-S : Game changer
 

The new 200TW Rival-S and RE71R are faster than any 100TW R compound tires and likely faster wearing too. Only a little slower than R6's. Just got back from a SuperMiata and Miata Challenge weekend at Spring Mountain in NV, 3.14 mile config. Real eye opener. Took a few passengers out. A few were shocked when I told them we were on street tires. Yeah, 1.5g on street tires. Not a detailed or controlled test mind you, just doing some rough comparisons with a few controls. Same day, a good friend tested RE71R's against R6's that were .25" wider. I think the delta there was 1.5s, so closer to 1.1s on a typical 2.5mile circuit.

I don't know what NASA will do with them but for a short while, some enterprising PT/TT competitors can steal all the milkshakes.

This about 1.25hrs track time, 2350#, 160whp Miata, 3.14 mile road course, 75° ambient, 98° track temps

http://949racing.com/supermiata/Riva...20minutes.jpg?

That looks like a LOT of wear, particularly in that center section, for so little track time. Am I seeing that right?

How much more track time do you think they'd last at that current rate/pace/car?

what was the feedback like at the limit? the old ones felt numb to me...

Any tread splices?

Yup, lots wear IMO. With setup optimized for these tire on this particular day, I'd guess 2-3hrs total life. Old Rivals would probably go 4+ hrs under the same conditions.


Still dull. Somewhat better braking feedback

None observed

dang. the rs3's fit my driving style better because the feedback is better... but it's hard to argue with 1.5G

What tire pressures are you running in them Emilio?

Wow.
And to think how amazed I was by my regular 225 rivals this weekend at Gingerman, sustaining ~1.25 with peaks at 1.35.
Cant wait to wear these out...


Fingers crossed for a 225/45 RE71R?

The Rival S was designed for autocross, I'd expect it to be much like A6 vs R6 in terms of characteristics against the standard Rival. If that's the case, likely it's a 3-lap time attack tire for those classes that run 200tw. It will cause some upsets.

-Ryan

What's the original tread depth?

Well shit, I was days away from ordering these mounted on some wheels from Phil's for the wifes NB. . . Now I might reconsider. It's mostly a street/autox car and she is very much a track novice. Honestly I am still trying to talk her into taking my yr old rivals and giving me the new tires because I hate how my rivals feel.

Phil why don't you sell RS3's ?!

You got 1.5 hours out of them? Damn, I heard those normally cord in the UPS truck on your way to you, and if they dont the mounting machine brings them to the cords. :p

In all serousness, the rival-s are designed to be auto-x tires, and more specifically they're designed to work on a rubbered in lincoln air park.

Did they overheat easily?

I got 10 track days out of my old rivals- even if these last 1/2 as long it might be worth it since they are pretty much hoosier fast and you can drive to the track on them.

as long as the thread doesn't splice like the old ones.

In all seriousness there isn't supposed to be a street tire specifically designed for autox and definitely not one designed for rubbered up Lincoln. That totally defeats the intent of going to "street" tires in Solo to please all the whiny little bitches that kept arguing that Stock classes were too expensive because they had to have DOT R compounds and then have to tow or trailer the tires to events and then had to change them.

Of course they failed to mention that even after doing that the local hot shoe who couldn't even trophy at National Tours still put five seconds on them in the same car/class. But whatever, /rant.

One thing is for sure, these tire companies are pumping these things out at a quick pace of outdoing each other. And they are also reasonably priced, at least in narrower sizes like STX, STS. I can't believe the target audience is Solo. Seems like a lot of work to win over the "Special Olympic's" of auto racing.

Me, I'm just dreading the day that the SPAC declares 200twr tires mandatory. Seems like the only logical conclusion that all "Street" named classes will follow. What tire manufacturer in their right mind is going to make a 275/35/15. I guess the NC will reign CSP.

Sam I didnt realize you posted on miata boards, has Stranoparts started selling miata bits?

Yep, I can fit in Miatas now that 200twr street tires perform better than DOT R's!

Sammy

:bowrofl::rofl::bowrofl::rofl::bowrofl:

Had to prop that. Leafy?

Sorry I was having too much fun making fun of the sam strano esque anti-street tire rant.